Edwardian Home Restored After Character Stripping

A San Francisco Edwardian home in Bernal Heights has been restored after its original character was stripped away during previous renovations. The property, which had been primed for resale in a way that often prioritized modern minimalism over historical integrity, underwent a significant renovation to reclaim its original details.

The project was led by Chitra Kashyap of Revival Interior Design Studio. The client, a mother of two teenagers and their dog, purchased the home with a clear vision. She wanted to move away from a generic white kitchen and restore the home’s lost historical charm.

Kashyap described the initial state of the house as a victim of the minimalist trend. “The original moldings were all gone and the character had been bleached out,” she said. The team focused on bringing the home back to its original identity while accommodating the family’s lifestyle.

To achieve this, the design team removed builder-grade cabinets and replaced them with custom inset cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Duck Green. Kashyap noted that the green acts as a neutral in the home. It feels organic and grounded.

They added a built-in plate rack and fluted-glass cabinets framing the hood. These elements offer visual relief from the solid cabinetry. “We splurged on the stunning deVOL Heirloom gaselier above the island,” Kashyap said. “It seemed a fitting choice because it’s inspired by historical pieces seen in old Victorian homes.”

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To ensure the space didn’t feel too new, the team selected unlacquered brass hardware. This choice allows the metal to develop a natural patina over time. The result is a kitchen that feels both historic and lived-in.

Designing Around a Compact Layout

Since the dining area was limited in size, the team opted for a banquette-style seating arrangement. This required careful planning to ensure functionality. They paired the seating with a walnut trestle table from Loewen Design Studios.

The trestle base was chosen for its practical benefits. Kashyap explained that the design ensures nobody is knocking their knees when they slide in and out of the seating area.

Window treatments were selected to bring warmth and texture to the home. “For the windows, I wanted something that felt raw and organic, so we went with traditional Indian chik blinds,” she noted. The bamboo blinds are paired with a block-print lining for privacy.

A mid-century brass shield chandelier hangs above the dining area. Sconces came from Soho Home, completing the lighting scheme.

Connecting Historic Details

The living room balances historic details with modern furnishings. The team installed ornate acanthus crown molding and a handmade plaster ceiling medallion. The medallion was crafted by local artisan Lorna Kollmeyer.

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The home originally featured a modern electric fireplace that did not fit the style. The team designed a custom Edwardian-style mantel to replace it. The mantel is just five inches deep. This depth was key for maintaining good flow in the compact living room.

The centerpiece of the living room is a striking Williams Sonoma cobalt blue sofa. This bold color choice was a favorite of the client. To balance the high saturation, the team introduced earthy brown tones in the chairs and custom drapery.

The chairs are family heirloom pieces that were reupholstered in Misia Paris-Vienne fabric. The custom pinch-pleat drapery features Casamance’s Herbes Folles fabric. This fabric adds texture and weight with its stunning embroidery.

Perhaps the most transformative change is found in the stairway. Previously, the staircase was a builder-grade afterthought that stood out like a sore thumb. It did not reflect the style of an Edwardian home.

The team replaced the drywall staircase with walnut-stained wooden balusters. They also installed wall paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue. Kashyap noted that restoration work extends beyond the main rooms. Connecting spaces like hallways and staircases can become meaningful design moments that tie an entire home together.